Resonator system for optical proximity communication

ABSTRACT

An assembly comprising first and second electronic devices and an optical resonator that optically couples an optical waveguide on the first electronic device to an optical waveguide on the second electronic device. In this way, optical proximity communication between the devices is possible. The electronic devices may be integrated circuit chips. A first portion of an optical resonator is disposed in a pit of the first device to optically couple the optical resonator to the first optical waveguide. A second portion of the optical resonator is disposed in a pit of the second device to optically couple the optical resonator to the second optical waveguide. Thus, the optical resonator optically couples the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/385,445 filed on Mar. 20, 2006 by Krishnamoorthy et al., entitled “Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Proximity Communication and Power Delivery”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/243,300, filed on Oct. 3, 2005 by Krishnamoorthy et al., entitled “Method and Apparatus for Precisely Aligning Integrated Circuit Chips”. The entire contents of both these applications are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Aug. 31, 2006, by Zheng et al., entitled “Optical Imaging Device for Optical Proximity Communication” (Attorney Docket Number 15437-0891).

BACKGROUND

One technique to allow communication between two electronic devices such as integrated circuit chips is to use electrically conductive connections between the electronic devices. Typically, these electrically conductive connections are on a PC board or the like. However, a drawback of such electrically conductive connections is the limited amount of information that can be transmitted between devices. This problem and others associated with inter-device communication are becoming more significant as electronic devices become more complex. Moreover, new ways of assembling groups of two or more electronic devices may allow for better inter-device communication. However, it is difficult to fully take advantage of the new ways of assembling groups of devices.

For example, multi-chip packaging is used to assemble two or more electronic devices, such as integrated circuit chips. Multi-chip packaging allows for communication by a technique referred to as “proximity communication”, which uses capacitive coupling to provide communications between chips which are oriented face-to-face. This capacitive coupling can provide signal densities two orders of magnitude denser than traditional off-chip communication using wire-bonding or traditional ball-bonding, while the circuits and coupling structures remain fully-compatible with standard CMOS foundries. To communicate off-chip through capacitive coupling, on-chip circuits drive high-impedance, capacitive transmitter pads.

While proximity communication provides off-chip signaling bandwidth that scales with chip feature size, it also introduces topological constraints. The active sides of chips typically need to face each other in a precise alignment, so that corresponding transmitter and receiver pads on opposing chips align both laterally and vertically. Achieving and maintaining chip alignment for proximity communication is challenging.

Typically, the chips are assembled with a “pick-and-place” technique that is cost efficient. However, the pick-and-place (as well as other known cost effective techniques) can only assembly the chips to within several mils of tolerance. Furthermore, commercial package materials also have flatness variations. Thus, techniques that may provide high-bandwidth inter-chip communication are difficult, if not impossible to achieve, given the tolerance of typical multi-chip assembly techniques.

Therefore, improved techniques for assembling electronic devices in such as way that will allow communication of large amounts of information between the electronic devices, such as integrated circuit chips is desired.

The approaches described in this section could be pursued, but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

SUMMARY

An assembly of electronic devices in which optical proximity communication is possible between features on the electronic devices is described herein. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention is an assembly comprising first and second electronic devices and an optical resonator that optically couples an optical waveguide on the first electronic device to an optical waveguide on the second electronic device. In this way, optical proximity communication between the devices is possible. The electronic devices may be integrated circuit chips.

In this embodiment, the first electronic device comprises a first substrate having a first pit formed therein, and a first optical waveguide defined on the first substrate. The second electronic device comprises a second substrate having a second pit formed therein, and a second optical waveguide defined on the second substrate. The optical resonator has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the optical resonator is disposed in the first pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the first optical waveguide, and the second portion of the optical resonator is disposed in the second pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the second optical waveguide. Thus, the optical resonator optically couples the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide. Therefore, optical proximity communication between the electronic devices is possible.

The optical resonator also serves to control the distance that separates the electronic devices (e.g., z-coordination alignment). Furthermore, the optical resonator serves to assists in controlling an x-coordinate and a y-coordinate alignment between the electronic devices. In one embodiment, multiple optical resonators are used (with corresponding additional pits) to assist in controlling the x-coordinate and a y-coordinate alignment between the electronic devices.

The optical resonator may have a variety of different shapes including, but not limited to a sphere, an ellipsoid, a torous, a disk, or a donut. In accordance with one embodiment, the optical resonator is doped to allow light amplification.

An embodiment of the present invention is a method of assembling electronic devices. The method involves assembling a first electronic device comprising a first substrate having a first pit formed therein, and a first optical waveguide defined on the first substrate; a second electronic device comprising a second substrate having a second pit formed therein, and a second optical waveguide defined on the second substrate; and an optical resonator having a first portion and a second portion. The method comprises disposing the first portion of the optical resonator in the first pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the first optical waveguide, and disposing the second portion of the optical resonator in the second pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the second optical waveguide. Thus, the optical resonator optically couples the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The assemblies and methods described herein are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings. Similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar elements and features.

FIG. 1 depicts a cross sectional view of an optical resonator system for optical proximity communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the optical resonator system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an example of an array of electronic devices that are coupled to allow optical proximity communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a graph having a curve illustrating amplified lasing emission when doping the optical resonator with Erbium, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of assembling electronic devices to allow optical proximity communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A depicts a cross sectional view of an optical imaging system for optical proximity communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a portion of the optical imaging system of FIG. 6A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts multiple channels on two electronic devices interconnected by the same optical coupling device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

The assemblies and methods described herein relate to optical proximity communication. For purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various systems and methods. It will be apparent, however, that the systems and methods described herein may be implemented without these specific details. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Optical Coupling of a Waveguide on a First Electronic Device to a Waveguide on a Second Electronic Device

An optical coupling system is used to optically couple two electronic devices, such as integrated circuit chips, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The optical coupling system has an optical coupling device that optically couples a waveguide on the first device to a waveguide on the second device. The optical coupling device may also serve to align the electronic devices by assisting in controlling x-, y-, and z-coordinate alignment of the electronic devices. Other optical coupling devices may be used to also assist in controlling the x-, y-, and z-coordinate alignment of the electronic devices. In one embodiment, the optical coupling device is used as an optical resonator. In another embodiment, the optical coupling device is used as an optical imaging device (e.g., lens). However, the optical coupling device is not limited to being used as either a resonator or an optical imaging device.

Optical Resonator System

FIG. 1 depicts a cross sectional view of an optical resonator system 100 for optical proximity communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the optical resonator 110 is used to optically couple two waveguides 120 a, 120 b (the waveguides are depicted in FIG. 1 as extending into and out of the page) on respective substrates 130 a, 130 b. Each substrate 120 is a part of an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit. A first waveguide 120 a is a feature that may be lithographically formed on substrate 130 a. A second waveguide 120 b is a feature that may be lithographically formed on substrate 130 b. The waveguides are not limited to the particular types depicted in FIG. 1.

The optical resonator 110 is disposed in a first pit 140 a that has been etched in a substrate 130 a, and is also disposed in a second pit 140 b that has been etched in substrate 130 b. The pits 140 a and 140 b are formed to receive the optical resonator 110 in order to precisely align the two waveguides 120 a, 120 b with the optical resonator 110 to allow optical proximity communication to take place. The waveguides 120 a, 120 b may be formed by photolithography in order to precisely locate the waveguides 120 a, 120 b in relation to the pits 140 a, 140 b.

The optical resonator 110 may be bonded to the pits 140 a, 140 b using, for example, epoxy or some other bonding material. However, it is not required that the optical resonator 110 be bonded to either pit 140 a, 140 b. In one embodiment, the two electronic devices are coupled by an apparatus that applies sufficient force to hold the electronic devices together with the optical resonator 100 disposed in the pits 140 a, 140 b.

Optical resonators may be used to spatially confine resonant optical energy in a limited cavity. Electromagnetic energy can be coupled into or out of an optical resonator. Optical resonators may be fabricated in many different shapes, one example of which is a sphere. An optical signal that is coupled into a spherical optical resonator is confined in a circular path by total internal reflection around the inner surface of the sphere. Some portion of the optical signal may escape the spherical optical resonator.

Once inside of the resonator, the optical signal that escapes is very weak. A technique referred to as evanescent coupling is used to get the optical signal to escape. As an example, an optical fiber or waveguide is placed very close to the edge of the sphere (possibly, though not necessarily touching, the sphere) to induce the optical signal to come out. The optical fiber or waveguide is so close that the light in the sphere overlaps the core of the optical fiber or waveguide.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical resonator system 100 of FIG. 1 with substrate 130 b not depicted. At least a portion of each waveguide 120 a, 120 b is located in close proximity to the optical resonator 110 (waveguide 120 b is depicted in dashed lines to indicate that it is not a feature of substrate 130 a). By close proximity it is meant close enough to allow optical coupling (e.g., evanescent) between a waveguide 120 a, 120 b and the optical resonator 110. A waveguide 120 may comprise a core having a first index of refraction and an outer cladding layer having a second index of refraction. In order to facilitate evanescent coupling between a waveguide 120 and the optical resonator 110, a portion of the cladding layer may be removed in the portion of the waveguide 120 that will be in close proximity to the optical resonator 110.

In the present embodiment, two waveguides 120 a, 120 b and optical resonator 110 form a four port optical system. Each waveguide 120 a, 120 b may have an add port and a drop port. During operation, an optical signal source (not depicted in FIG. 2) is used to pump an optical signal into one of the waveguides (e.g., 120 a). An optical signal from waveguide 120 a can be coupled into the optical resonator 110, then be optically coupled to the waveguide 120 b. The optical signal may be induced to enter and exit the optical resonator 110 via evanescent coupling. In a similar fashion, to communicate information in the other direction, an optical signal may enter the optical resonator 110 from waveguide 120 b and exit the optical resonator 110 to waveguide 120 a.

In accordance with one embodiment, the optical resonator 110 comprises a spherical shape. The sphere may be positioned such that its equator aligns with the cores of both waveguides 120 a, 120 b and thereby forms a plane. The separation from the edge of the equator of the optical resonator 110 to the core of a waveguide 120 determines the coupling constant. The coupling does not need to be strong because the Q (optical quality factor) of the sphere may be large (e.g., on the order of 10⁷). The sphere forms Whispering Gallery Modes (WGM) of excitation, wherein the majority of the optical signal is concentrated near the inner surface of the sphere along the equator. However, a portion of the optical signal energy exists as an evanescent field just outside of the sphere. Thus, a waveguide in close proximity to the sphere can be evanescently coupled to the sphere.

A sphere is a 3D resonator allowing other coupling geometries. Thus, it is not required that the portion of the sphere that is aligned with the waveguides be the equatorial plane. Moreover, the optical resonator 110 is not required to have a spherical shape. Other possible shapes for the optical resonator 110 include, but are not limited to, elliptical, disk, torous, and donut.

The optical resonator may be formed out of any material that is substantially transparent to an optical signal having a desired transmission frequency. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, sapphire, quartz, and glass.

As will be discussed more fully below, the optical resonator system 110 allows optical information to be transmitted in a multi-wavelength domain. Thus, optical signals can be transmitted over the waveguides using wavelength-division multi-plexing.

Optical Amplification

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the optical resonator is doped to allow optical signal amplification. In one embodiment, the doping is done with Erbium (Er) atoms. Erbium ions, when pumped by 980 nanometer (nm) or 1490 nm light can be put in an excited state such that a band of 1550 nm light will undergo stimulated lasing emission out of the sphere. Such amplifiers have optical gain (e.g., 30 dB or more). The optical resonator 110 may be doped by diffusion or an implantation process.

By introducing a 980 nm light beam in one of the two input waveguides to the optical resonator 110, the optical resonator 110 can be populated with Er ions, which are set to lase within the gain band of the Er+ions. Addition of a small signal wavelength at the second waveguide input will stimulate the excited state Er ions in the sphere to emit that same wavelength with amplification.

An example of the amplified lasing emission when doping the optical resonator 110 with Er is shown in the graph 400 of FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Graph 400 depicts a curve 410 of the gain of an Er doped spherical resonator versus wavelength. The actual emission of the lasing spectrum is controlled by the gain spectrum of the Er ions. The gain width is about 35 nm wide and is centered at about 1540 nm.

The optical resonator 110 (which in this example is a sphere) also has eigenmodes for resonant excitation. These wavelengths correspond to the excitations dictated by the Whispering Gallery Modes (WGM) 420 of the optical resonator 110. The overlap of the gain spectrum 410 and the WGM 420 of the optical resonator 110 determine wavelengths for lasing amplification. As an example, the WGM 420 in graph 400 can be achieved by using a 200 micron spherical resonator. This grid or spacing between the wavelengths is a function of the diameter of the sphere. Therefore, the spacing of the WGM 420 can be controlled by using a sphere having an appropriate diameter. By using the different wavelengths to transmit different signals, wavelength-division multiplexing is achieved.

Rather than using a 980 nm light beam, as previously discussed, other wavelengths can be used, although with possibly less efficiency. As an example, any wavelength between 980 nm and 1530 nm might be used.

The optical resonator may be doped with a material other than Er. For example, other rare earth species could be used. As particular examples, the optical resonator could be doped with any of the following (but not limited thereto): Neodymium (Nd), Holmium (Ho), Yttrium (Y), or Dysprosium (Dy). When doping with other than Er, a different frequency of optical signal may be used for the light beam that is introduced to the optical resonator to stimulate the doping material.

Pits for Receiving Optical Coupling Devices

The pits 140 in which the optical coupling device (including, but not limited to, optical resonator and optical imaging device) is disposed have an inverted pyramid shape, in accordance with one embodiment. However, the pits 140 may have a different shape. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pits 140 are micro-machined into silicon integrated circuit chips. These micro-machined structures can be formed photo-lithographically (as can the waveguides), which allows the pits 140 to be photo-lithographically defined in relationship to the waveguides. This photolithographic alignment between the pits 140 and waveguides enables the top and bottom waveguides to be precisely aligned with the optical coupling device to allow optical proximity communication. The size and shape of the pits 140 are designed to receive the optical coupling device. The pits 140 may be etched such that the equator of the optical coupling device will be just above the surface of the substrate. This allows the gap between the two electronic devices to be precisely controlled. Moreover, this allows the waveguides to be properly positioned relative to the optical coupling device.

In one embodiment, the pits 140 are etched in a silicon substrate. When etching a “100” silicon surface, the angle of the pit is set by the “111” planes. For example, the depth proceeds with an etch that removes all planes but the “111” planes. This etch is dictated by local silicon chemistry between solute and silicon. Eventually, as the etch proceeds through a defined opening in a “100” surface, four “111” facets are exposed. Note that the etching process is not required to attack “111” planes. The bottom of the pits 140 may become less perfect since the reactions may become mass-transport limited. However, it is not required that the bottom of the pit be perfectly formed because it is not required that the bottom of the pit physically contact the optical coupling device. Furthermore, note that the pits 140 may have other orientations and other shapes including, but not limited to, truncated spheres, prisms, and hexagons.

Optical Proximity Communication in a Tiled Array of Chips

FIG. 3 depicts an array 300 of chips that are optically coupled to allow optical proximity communication. The array 300 has a number of lower chips (e.g., chip 310 a) and a number of upper chips (e.g., 310 b). Each of the upper chips overlaps with four lower chips, in this embodiment. Thus, a particular upper chip has four of the optical resonator systems 100 depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

Path 320 across the array 300 is achieved by using optical proximity coupling from a lower chip to an upper chip, and then to a lower chip etc, across the array 300. Thus, optical traffic can flow across the multi-chip array 300 seamlessly and transparently without opto-electronic conversion on any chip, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, increased latency that would occur due to opto-electronic conversions is avoided.

The optical coupling device may be used to achieve optical proximity communication in the tiled array 300. In accordance with one embodiment, the optical coupling device is an optical resonator. In accordance with another embodiment, the optical coupling device is an optical imaging device (e.g., a lens), as discussed below. However, the optical coupling device is not limited to being an optical resonator or an optical imaging device. Further, the optical resonator system 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be used with configurations other than that of FIG. 3. The optical imaging device, discussed herein can be used with configurations other than that of FIG. 3.

Process for Assembling Electronic Devices to Allow Optical Proximity Communication

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process 500 of assembling integrated circuits to allow optical proximity communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The process 500 describes how two electronic devices can be assembled to allow optical proximity coupled therebetween. The process 500 involves assembling: a first electronic device comprising a first substrate having a first pit formed therein, and a first optical waveguide defined on the first substrate; a second electronic device comprising a second substrate having a second pit formed therein, and a second optical waveguide defined on the second substrate; and an optical coupling device having a first portion and a second portion. In accordance with one embodiment, the optical coupling device is an optical resonator. In accordance with another embodiment, the optical coupling device is an optical imaging device (e.g., a lens), as discussed below. However, the optical coupling device is not limited to being an optical resonator or an optical imaging device. Process 500 will be discussed by reference to the optical resonator system 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-2; however, process 500 is not limited to that embodiment.

In step 510, the first portion of the optical coupling device (e.g., resonator, imaging device) is disposed in the first pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the first optical waveguide. For example, after the electronic device having substrate 130 a, pit 140 a, and waveguide 120 a is formed, optical resonator 110 is disposed in pit 140 a. For purposes of description, electronic device having substrate 130 a may be referred to as a “lower device”. The optical coupling device may be bonded to pit 140 a; however, bonding is not required.

In step 520, the second portion of the optical coupling device (e.g., resonator, imaging device) is disposed in the second pit to optically couple the optical coupling device to the second optical waveguide. For example, after the electronic device having substrate 130 b, pit 140 b, and waveguide 120 b is formed, optical resonator 110 is disposed in pit 140 b. For purposes of description, electronic device having substrate 130 b may be referred to as an “upper device”. The optical coupling device 110 may be disposed in pit 140 b by placing the upper device onto the lower device. Note that the initial placement is not required to be highly precise because the optical resonator 110 serves to guide the upper device into precise alignment with the lower device.

Thus, the first portion of the optical resonator is disposed in the first pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the first optical waveguide, and the second portion of the optical resonator is disposed in the second pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the second optical waveguide, in accordance with one embodiment. Thus, the optical resonator 110 optically couples the first optical waveguide 120 a to the second optical waveguide 120 b. The optical resonator may be bonded to pit 140 b; however, bonding is not required.

As previously discussed, in one embodiment, the optical coupling device is an optical imaging device. In this embodiment, after assembling the electronic devices, the first optical waveguide is positioned relative to the optical coupling device to direct an optical signal to the optical coupling device, and the second optical waveguide is positioned relative to the optical coupling device to receive the optical signal, which is directed from the optical coupling device to the second optical waveguide. Thus, the optical coupling device optically couples the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a force is supplied to hold the upper and lower devices together. This force is supplied by a compliant, suspension connector system that eliminates chip separation, in accordance with one embodiment. The connector system provides sufficient compressive force on the chips to maintain the optical resonator within the pits, thereby maintaining the relationship between the waveguides and the optical resonator that allows optical proximity communication. This connector system may be designed to provide some freedom of motion to allow the upper device to accurately mate with the lower device. Note that the compressive force is sufficient to allow the final resting orientation to be determined by the optical resonator, while also assuring that the devices maintain proper spacing once mated.

Process 500 can be extended to assemble more than two electronic devices. As an example, a tiled array of electronic devices can be assembled, wherein optical proximity communication is possible from one electronic device to the next such that optical communication is possible across the entire array without converting from optical transmission to electrical transmission.

Process 500 allows the alignment of the waveguides to be accomplished in a passive manner. For example, it is not required that the waveguides be illuminated during the assembly process to facilitate alignment,

Optical Imaging System

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the optical coupling device acts as an imaging device (e.g., a lens). An example configuration for optical coupling, using an optical imaging device, of two face-to-face electronic devices (e.g., integrated circuit chips) is depicted in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B. FIG. 6A depicts a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 6B depicts a top perspective view without the upper electronic device 630 b and the optical imaging device 610.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the optical imaging device 610 is used to optically couple two waveguides 620 a, 620 b on respective substrates 630 a, 630 b. Each substrate 630 a, 630 b is a part of an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit. A first waveguide 620 a is a feature that may be lithographically formed on or in substrate 630 a. A second waveguide 620 b is a feature that may be lithographically formed on or in substrate 630 b.

An optical signal from the tip 635 a of the first optical waveguide 620 a is directed to the optical imaging device 610, which acts as a lens. The optical signal at the tip 635 a may be referred to as an “object signal”. The second optical waveguide 620 b receives the optical signal from the optical imaging device 610. In other words, the optical imaging device 610 directs the optical signal to the tip 635 b of the second optical waveguide 620 b. The optical signal at the second waveguide tip 635 b may be referred to as an “image signal”. Thus, the optical coupling device 610 acts as a lens (or imaging device) to direct the “image signal” to the second waveguide tip 635 b based on the “object signal” at the first waveguide tip 635 a. Therefore, the first optical waveguide 620 a is optically coupled to the second optical waveguide 620 b, which allows optical proximity communication between the first and second electronic devices 630 a, 630 b.

Waveguides

A Silicon waveguide typically has a sub-micrometer cross-sectional size and provides strong confinement to the optical signal propagating within. However, when an optical signal (e.g., an optical beam) leaves an optical waveguide it may diverge. If the optical signal diverges too much, then the optical imaging device 610 will not properly receive the optical signal. In accordance with one embodiment, the waveguides 620 are tapered at the end nearest the optical imaging device, which may prevent or reduce the optical signal's divergence. Referring to FIG. 6B, the portions of each waveguide 620 a, 620 b that are closest to the optical imaging device 610 are narrower (tapered) than other portions of the waveguides 620 a, 620 b.

Tapering the waveguides converts the sub-micrometer mode of the waveguide to a mode having a significantly larger size. Referring to FIG. 6B, the mode 640(1) corresponding to a point in which the optical signal is within a wider section of waveguide 620 a is depicted as relatively large. However, near the waveguide tip 635 a, the mode 640(2) is depicted as larger (e.g., it has a larger cross-sectional area). The modes 640(1), and 640(2) are not drawn to scale. Rather, mode 640(2) may be much larger than mode 640(1). While not depicted in FIG. 6B, the second waveguide 620 b also has a mode, which is expanded by its tapered end. This configuration with both waveguides 620 a, 620 b having a relatively large mode allows an optical signal to be coupled from the first waveguide 620 a to the second waveguide 620 b (and also the reverse) with little loss.

In one embodiment, one or both of the waveguides have a single mode. Expanding the mode, as previously described, is achieved while preserving the single mode nature of the waveguides.

Techniques other than tapering the end of the waveguide can be used to convert the mode of the waveguide to a larger mode. Moreover, it is not required that the mode be expanded. For example, depending on factors such as the cross-sectional dimension of the waveguides, the optical properties of the optical imaging device, and tolerance in positioning the waveguides and optical coupling device, the optical signal may be coupled from one waveguide to the other without significant loss even if the mode is not expanded.

Optical Imaging Device

When assembled, the optical imaging device 610 is disposed in a first pit 640 a that has been etched in a substrate 630 a, and is also disposed in a second pit 640 b that has been etched in substrate 630 b. The pits 640 a and 640 b are formed to receive the optical imaging device 610 in order to precisely align the two waveguides 620 a, 620 b with the optical imaging device 610 to allow optical proximity communication to take place.

The optical imaging device 610 can be fabricated from a material for which the index of refraction does not vary significantly for wavelength ranges typically used in silicon photonics. Thus, optical coupling of the waveguides through the optical imaging device 610 can be essentially insensitive to wavelength. Note that the distance from the tips of the waveguides to the optical imaging device 610 is suitable for a wide range of wavelengths. Therefore, the optical imaging device 610 provides a true broadband solution. Furthermore, the optical imaging device 610 is polarization insensitive, in accordance with an embodiment, because lens imaging is not sensitive to the polarization. TAP

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a tap 645 is formed around each pit 640 a, 640 b. When viewed from the top, the tap 645 may have a circular shape. However, the tap 645 may have other shapes. The tap 645 serves to establish the distance between a waveguide tip 635 a, 635 b and the optical imaging device 610. The distance may be based on the optical properties of the optical imaging device 610. Thus, the optical imaging device 610 can focus the optical signal at a target spot to allow a waveguide to receive the optical signal. The tap 645 has a depth to create enough clearance for the optical signal to propagate between the waveguides 620 a, 620 b and the optical imaging device 610.

Example Operation

The following describes an example operation for coupling an optical signal (e.g., optical beam) from the first optical waveguide 620 a to the second optical waveguide 620 b using an optical image device. An optical signal can also be coupled from the second optical waveguide 620 b to the first optical waveguide 620 a. The optical signal from waveguide 620 a exits as an object signal. The object signal is characterized by the mode 640(2) in FIG. 6B. The first optical waveguide 620 a is positioned such that it is a slightly off-axis source to the optical imaging device 610, in accordance with one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6A, the tip 635 a of the first optical waveguide 620 a is just below the axis of the optical imaging device A-A′. The optical imaging device 610 acts as a lens to image the object signal into an image signal a known distance away at the opposite side of the optical imaging device 610. The image signal is not depicted in either FIG. 6A or FIG. 6B, but would be approximately near the tip 635 b of the second optical waveguide 620 b.

In accordance with one embodiment, the optical imaging system is symmetrically designed. That is, the distance from the first optical waveguide tip 635 a to the center of the optical imaging device 610 (“object distance”) is the same as the distance from the second optical waveguide tip 635 b to the center of optical imaging device 610 (“image distance”). For convenience of explanation, the following discussion is based on a symmetrical design. However, it is not required that such a symmetrical design be used.

If the object distance is chosen, based on the size and material of the optical imaging device 610, to achieve 1:1 imaging through the optical imaging device 610, the object signal and image signal will be symmetrical to the center of the optical imaging device 610 in both size and position. Thus, the size of the image signal will be the same as the size as the object signal. Also, note that the symmetry implies that an object signal at the second waveguide tip 635 b will have the same size as an image signal at the first waveguide tip 635 a. While it is not required that the image signal and object signal be the same size, having them the same size may be beneficial in efficiently coupling optical signals between the first waveguide 620 a and the second waveguide 620 b.

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is implemented to multiplex multiple optical signals into a single waveguide (e.g., 620 a), image them through the same optical imaging device 610, and couple them into the waveguide (e.g., 620 b) on the other chip to achieve high bandwidth-density product, in accordance with one embodiment.

Multiple Channel Communication Using a Single Optical Imaging Device

Bandwidth-density is scaled by having multiple waveguides share the same optical imaging device 610, in accordance with one embodiment. For example, if the optical imaging device 610 is a sphere, the symmetry allows for positioning input and output waveguides at conjugate positions as shown in FIG. 7. The term “conjugate positions” refers to the positions of the object signal and the image signal, as dictated by the optical properties of the optical imaging device 610. FIG. 7 depicts multiple waveguides on a first electronic device coupled to corresponding waveguides at conjugate positions on a second electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment. In FIG. 7, the lower waveguides 710 (1-8) are on a first electronic device and the upper waveguides 720 (1-8) are on a second electronic device. As a particular example, waveguide 710(1) forms a pair with waveguide 720(1).

The optical signals may cross in the optical imaging device 610 without interference. Thus, a single optical imaging device 610 in a pit can simultaneously image optical signals arriving at different angles from different waveguides on a first chip to corresponding waveguides on a second chip in corresponding opposing positions (e.g., conjugate positions). Optical signals can be transferred bi-directionally on each of the waveguide pairs.

At this point, it should be noted that although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, it should not be construed to be so limited. Various modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the waveguides illustrated and described herein are used for purposes of examples. Other types of waveguides can be used. Thus, the invention should not be limited by the specific embodiments used to illustrate it but only by the scope of the issued claims and the equivalents thereof. 

1. An assembly comprising: a first electronic device comprising: a first substrate having a first pit formed therein; a first optical waveguide defined on the first substrate; a second electronic device comprising: a second substrate having a second pit formed therein; a second optical waveguide defined on the second substrate; and an optical resonator having a first portion and a second portion; wherein the first portion of the optical resonator is disposed in the first pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the first optical waveguide; wherein the second portion of the optical resonator is disposed in the second pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the second optical waveguide; and wherein the optical resonator optically couples the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide.
 2. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical resonator comprises a substantially spherical shape.
 3. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first optical waveguide is positioned relative to the first pit to evanescently couple the optical resonator to the first optical waveguide.
 4. The assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein the second optical waveguide is positioned relative to the second pit to evanescently couple the optical resonator to the second optical waveguide.
 5. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical resonator is doped with a material that allows the optical resonator to amplify light.
 6. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical resonator comprises a toriodal shape.
 7. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical resonator comprises an elliptical shape.
 8. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical resonator comprises a donut shape.
 9. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical resonator comprises at least one of: glass, quartz, and sapphire.
 10. The assembly as recited claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first waveguide is substantially parallel to the first etch pit.
 11. The assembly as recited claim 1, further comprising: a third electronic device comprising: a third substrate having a third pit formed therein; a third optical waveguide defined on the third substrate; and a second optical resonator having a first portion and a second portion; wherein the first substrate of the first electronic device further has a fourth pit formed therein; wherein the first electronic device further has a fourth optical waveguide defined on the first substrate; wherein the first portion of the second optical resonator is disposed in the fourth pit to optically couple the second optical resonator to the fourth optical waveguide; wherein the second portion of the second optical resonator is disposed in the third pit to optically couple the second optical resonator to the third optical waveguide; and wherein the second optical resonator optically couples the third optical waveguide to the fourth optical waveguide.
 12. A method of assembling a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein: the first electronic device comprises: a first substrate having a first pit formed therein; a first optical waveguide defined on the first substrate; and the second electronic device comprises: a second substrate having a second pit formed therein; a second optical waveguide defined on the second substrate; and wherein the method comprises: disposing a first portion of an optical resonator in the first pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the first optical waveguide; and disposing a second portion of the optical resonator in the second pit to optically couple the optical resonator to the second optical waveguide; wherein the optical resonator optically couples the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide.
 13. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising etching the first pit in a shape to receive the optical resonator.
 14. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising forming the first waveguide on the first substrate in close proximity to the pit.
 15. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising doping the optical resonator with a material that allows the optical resonator to amplify light.
 16. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the optical resonator comprises a substantially spherical shape.
 17. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the optical resonator comprises a substantially toriodal shape.
 18. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the optical resonator comprises a substantially elliptical shape.
 19. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the optical resonator comprises a substantially donut shape.
 20. An assembly comprising: a first electronic device comprising: a first substrate; a first optical waveguide defined on the first substrate; a second electronic device comprising: a second substrate; a second optical waveguide defined on the second substrate; and an optical resonator having a first portion and a second portion; wherein the first portion of the optical resonator is disposed in the first substrate to optically couple the optical resonator to the first optical waveguide; wherein the second portion of the optical resonator is disposed in the second substrate to optically couple the optical resonator to the second optical waveguide; and wherein the optical resonator optically couples the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide.
 21. The assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the optical resonator comprises a substantially spherical shape.
 22. The assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the first optical waveguide is positioned relative to the first pit to evanescently couple the optical resonator to the first optical waveguide.
 23. The assembly as recited in claim 22, wherein the second optical waveguide is positioned relative to the optical resonator to evanescently couple the optical resonator to the second optical waveguide.
 24. The assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the optical resonator is doped with a material that allows the optical resonator to amplify light.
 25. The assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the optical resonator comprises a toriodal shape.
 26. The assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the optical resonator comprises an elliptical shape.
 27. The assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the optical resonator comprises a donut shape.
 28. The assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the optical resonator comprises at least one of: glass, quartz, and sapphire.
 29. The assembly as recited claim 20, further comprising: a third electronic device comprising: a third substrate; a third optical waveguide defined on the third substrate; and a second optical resonator having a first portion and a second portion; wherein the first electronic device further has a fourth optical waveguide defined on the first substrate; wherein the first portion of the second optical resonator is disposed in the first substrate to optically couple the second optical resonator to the fourth optical waveguide; wherein the second portion of the second optical resonator is disposed in the third substrate to optically couple the second optical resonator to the third optical waveguide; and wherein the second optical resonator optically couples the third optical waveguide to the fourth optical waveguide. 